First, while senators know what to expect with Lt. Gov Dan Patrick at the legislative body's helm, who controls the lower chamber will be decided on Tuesday in a full-floor vote. State representatives David Cook (R-Mansfield) and Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) have been campaigning neck-and-neck to secure the votes needed to become Texas House speaker.

The void is set to be filled by either Rep. Dustin Burrows of Lubbock or Rep. David Cook of Mansfield. Experts told KHOU 11 the choice could determine how the House — and the GOP in the chamber — moves forward this session. Either candidate would need 76 votes to secure control of the gavel.

House members will kick off the session by electing a new House speaker, which comes after months of GOP infighting.

The choice of speaker, made by all 150 members of the Texas House, will set the course of the 2025 legislative session and stoke an ongoing Republican

A fight has been brewing over who will lead the Texas House as Speaker. Two Republicans are the leading candidates for Speaker: David Cook of Mansfield and Dustin Burrows of Lubbock.